Classic & Vintage - Tiny Nishiki International w/ Terry wheel

Just bought this for my girlfriend and I thought it was kind of interesting. It's a 48 cm Nishiki International "Triathlon" and it has small front wheel so that the top tube can be shortened. I've never seen one in real life until this one. I replaced a spent saddle and the some broken dia compe brakes.

On a side note, does anyone have any suggestions about teaching an adult to ride? She grew up on a very steep hill and didn't really do much cycling as a kid so I'm starting from scratch more or less. She stays on but has a hard time stopping and sometimes balance is an issue. Any ideas?


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/Sb6yxMDDnzI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/sRLxmkVPbwM/s640/IMG_1243.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/Sb6yz0nvt_I/AAAAAAAAAhU/JVgMurkYc6c/s640/IMG_1244.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/Sb6ygrO26sI/AAAAAAAAAg8/U3SojEdiwOQ/s640/IMG_1239.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/Sb6yn8xg2AI/AAAAAAAAAhE/12JjHv6dp_Q/s640/IMG_1241.JPG

This thread is worthless without pics (of your gf). Just kidding . . . sort of.

I had my kids practice on grass at the beginning. The key is finding turf where the ground is soft enough to provide a little cush if they go down but not so soft as to make handling really difficult. That would be impossible here in WI at this point in time. You can try running along behind to hold on, but you either have to be able to run very fast or have them ride so slow that handling is difficult. Just make sure she doesn't crash and burn and damage hurt herself or even worse, that beautiful bike.

In my best Borat accent: Boy do I miss teaching my kids how to ride bikes . . . not.

Take the pedals off.
Lower the seat.
Let her practice coasting and pushing with her feet until she gets some balance.
She will Tell you when to put the pedals back on.

This thread is worthless without pics (of your gf).

From before I cleaned up the bike...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/SbQ5Mc88olI/AAAAAAAAAd0/2eSW90175e8/s512/IMG_1177.JPG


Never heard off taking of the pedals. I'll try that.

From before I cleaned up the bike...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/SbQ5Mc88olI/AAAAAAAAAd0/2eSW90175e8/s512/IMG_1177.JPG


Never heard of taking of the pedals. I'll try that.

Hold up. Tell me where you live, I am on my way there.
Thanks

From before I cleaned up the bike...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gZJl7AhwxZU/SbQ5Mc88olI/AAAAAAAAAd0/2eSW90175e8/s512/IMG_1177.JPG


Never heard off taking of the pedals. I'll try that.


Ummmm, what bike? ;)

Now, now guys...be nice.

It would be sooooo cool if you could get the front tyre in red to match the rear, but I already know that's impossible.

I have both a Nishiki Prestige and a Centurion Dave Scott with the 'Terry' wheel, and they are both very nice bikes. They do have a tendency to be VERY fast to respond to steering, so she does need to be aware of that.

East Hill

I gave him a PM on the front tire color. Glad we agree.

I think the bike is a bit hard core for a beginner trying to learn to ride and balance.
She needs a bike with a low seat, high wide handlebars, possibly step through frame. All to build confidence. Try a 24" wheeled mountain bike or 3-spd rental.

Then good luck explaining counter steering. :D

I gave him a PM on the front tire color. Glad we agree.

Switch to flat bars for a while. She'll feel more confident & comfortable with the easy braking setup.

Maybe you could find her a Raleigh Chopper, just to keep it retro.

switch to flat bars for a while. She'll feel more confident & comfortable with the easy braking setup.

+1